Bronica GS-1 AE finder issue

[jerrystan]

Hi everyone-
I just got my GS-1 out of the closet...it's been sitting there for over a year. Put a fresh battery in it, but I'm having an issue with the AE finder (I think). When I press the shutter button half way to check exposure or whatever, the display inside the finder flashes the settings for about a half a second and then goes off. The settings appear to be correct but they don't stay displayed as long as they normally should, and I can't fire the shutter either. Tried a new battery, same thing. Any suggestions?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a Bronica repair shop? I see Frank Marshman mentioned a lot but also that his response time and communication are pretty inconsistent. Any other reliable shops I should consider? Thanks!

 

[Johnkpap]

First thing to try is cleaning the contacts between the finder and the body, a eraser and a lint free cloth works for me, also does the camera shutter fire ok with the finder removed?

Johnkpap

 

[Truzi]

I've not really done any trouble-shooting with my GS-1, but do as Johnkpap suggests. Also, sometimes the contacts on the various modules (finder, back, lens) may be stuck in and not making contact. They are spring-loaded - gently poking may help free them up.

 

[DWThomas]

Not familiar with the GS-1, but its earlier little brothers in the SQ series need some tricks to dry fire, if that's what you're trying to do -- such as the back removed or the multi-exposure lever flipped on. They have some sneaky interlocks.

By the way, those of us with some entanglements with aerospace electronics blanch at the mention of using erasers on gold contacts, although I suppose the white vinyl art erasers wouldn't be too bad. A light wipe with a soft cloth dampened (not dripping!) with rubbing alcohol would be less upsetting. The gold on those contacts is measured in micro-inches.

 

[jerrystan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried cleaning the contacts and making sure they were all poking up, but no change. I can't get the shutter to release without the finder, either, although I don't think I ever tried to do that before. I left the back on and took the dark slide out like I would taking a normal photo, but nothing. The other thing I just noticed is that when I have the shutter speed on A, the display shows 16" no matter what aperture I set and what lens I have on. Still just flashes on for half a second and then disappears.

 

[Truzi]

I don't have my camera handy or I'd try a few things and see if I could replicate your issue. Try playing with the speed dial on the back, and make sure it is mating securely to the body. What are the chances the new battery isn't good?

One thing I do know - sometimes my flash won't fire (on the speed grip), and/or will fire on advance, and the shutter will act weird - but only with one back. (The back also tends to open randomly (the catch is bad), so it's now a parts-back).
It's possible the back can cause issues on an otherwise functioning body.

I forget how to dry-fire, but I think the mirror lock might be involved.
Make sure the multiple exposure lever is not set for multiple, though I don't know if that would cause the problem in the finder.
Also, check and make sure your lens isn't set for the "timed" exposure, which I believe is pulling or sliding a pin on the barrel near the front of the lens. Again, not sure if this would cause your issue.

 

[craigclu]

There is a Bronica group on Yahoo with some knowledgeable folks that may be worth checking into. I have a GS-1 that is fully functional with a waist level finder but doesn't function with an AE finder. Another 2 bodies function just fine with an AR so I've easily worked around it so I'm a bit curious about what you run into.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Bronica/info

 

[jerrystan]

So I finally got my GS-1 repaired. Turns out the AE finder mount was loose and not making good contact with the body (something I probably should have noticed!). Anyway, I'm out shooting again! Thanks for all the suggestions!